Senior Fostering Social Worker

## Opportunity Review: Foster Carer Support and Development Practitioner

This role presents an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated and innovative practitioner to play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of children in the care of the East Riding of Yorkshire. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference and possess a strong understanding of the complexities and rewards of fostering, this position warrants your serious consideration.

The core of this role revolves around the crucial work of supporting foster carers, encompassing assessment, supervision, and ongoing professional development. It’s an exciting chance to be at the forefront of shaping and evolving a service committed to enabling looked-after children to reach their full potential. Your contribution will be instrumental in driving positive change within a supportive and forward-thinking team.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly influence the well-being and developmental outcomes of vulnerable children by empowering and supporting their foster families.
• Professional Growth: The role offers a dynamic and evolving landscape, providing continuous learning opportunities and the chance to expand your expertise in areas such as restorative practice, social pedagogy, and systemic approaches.
• Valued Expertise: Your in-depth knowledge of Signs of Safety and your experience working with children, young people, and their networks will be highly valued and integral to the team's success.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a small, close-knit team where positive relationships are actively nurtured. You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of professionals across the East Riding of Yorkshire.
• Service Development: Be part of a team with ambitious goals for the future. Candidates with a keen interest in developing best practices and positioning the service at the leading edge of fostering support will find this role particularly engaging.
• Clear Practice Model: Work within a well-defined and values-based practice model, "You can, I can, We can," which provides a strong foundation for consistent, child-centered practice and fosters a shared understanding across the workforce.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Demonstrable Experience: A strong track record in assessing, supporting, and supervising foster carers is essential. Candidates who can clearly articulate their experience with children, young people, and their networks will be highly competitive.
• Commitment to Values: The organization places a strong emphasis on family involvement, relational approaches, and empowerment. Candidates whose personal and professional values align with these principles will thrive.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The role requires the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a team. You'll need to be adaptable to an evolving service and possess the tenacity and enthusiasm to navigate challenging but rewarding work.
• Knowledge of Statutory Requirements: A comprehensive understanding of the statutory requirements governing fostering services is a fundamental prerequisite for success in this position.
• Ofsted Readiness: The ability to confidently support the team through Ofsted inspections is a key expectation, highlighting the commitment to high standards and quality assurance.
• Relational Approach: A genuine commitment to building positive working relationships with foster carers, children, young people, and professionals, alongside the capacity to offer respectful challenge when necessary, is crucial.

If you are an energetic, creative, and experienced practitioner eager to contribute to a service that is striving for excellence in supporting looked-after children and their foster families, this role offers a significant opportunity for professional fulfillment and career advancement.